We got a board end of last year that was 6'1". super easy for everyone to get up on, but now that we are all comfortable surfing with no handle should we be on a shorter board to try some tricks. What tricks can we do on the long board? I'm 5'5" and most riders with us are that to about 5'11"

Hey Tanya, how big is your pocket? 6'1" is a pretty long board for waksurfing. Although we have had some ocean surfers that can air a board this long and also spin surface 3's. Personally I find it too long, but I'm an old fart! Dennis, James and I shaped a board about this length for Dennis and it proved to be too long to ride aggressively. The nose would catch the flats on hard bottom turns. I think you'll find once you have all mastered the free riding, a shorter board will be easier performing "tricks". Or...reconsider your definition of tricks. Think of it as a longboard and walk the nose, hang ten or both heels. It may seem mundane, but just TRY and walk the nose. Quite the challenge.

Thanks Jeff, I think we will exchange it for a shorter board. We just bought a 05 Malibu Ride so I'm not sure how big the pocket will be - As big as we can get it. We might have to try two riders first, looked like fun in the video.

I have a hyperlite Landlock - 5'11" and really enjoy it - can carve it up just like back in Orange County. (well kind of - ha ha )

I demoed a Liq Force board 4'6" yesterday and found it was much harder to stay in the pocket - although I weigh 200 lbs. My lighter weighted buddy (I'd guess 150lbs). Was able to carve it up much better.

Jeff is right - the "tricks" are limited on the longer boards, but the hang ten attempts are really fun - just drop back about as far as you can on the wake and just before you feel like you are going to lose it - shimmy your feet (or try to walk over) towards the front of the board and arch your back as you glide towards the boat - just be ready to shift your weight/feet back before crashing into the back of the boat.

Anyway, I would definitely demo some boards before laying down the cash. Have fun!